Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Dick Jacob's Three Card Monte PDF
Dick Jacob's Three Card Monte PDF
Dick Jacob's Three Card Monte PDF
This sensational expose of Three Card Monte is the first authentic explanation of the actual
method used for years by Dick Jacobs, acknowledged to be one of the three greatest Monte
men of the past generation. No prepared cards are used. It is entirely the original sleight of
hand method that heretofore involved personal instruction owing to subtleties of the presenta-
tion of the feat. However, with the aid of numerous line drawings by a capable artist every
move is presented clearly and precisely. Furthermore, the most difficult part of the effect—the
psychological handling of the spectators—has been developed simply and concisely.
This effect is unquestionably one of the greatest ever known for arousing and holding specta-
tor interest. As an “ice-breaker” it is unexcelled in instantly creating unlimited entertainment and
discussion. It is not an exaggeration to say that even one acquainted with the secret will find
it impossible to follow the cards.
Performer shows a black ace and two red cards. The three cards are placed face down on the
table and the spectators, try as they will, find it impossible to pick the ace.
Once more the ace is shown and placed face down on the table and on either side of it are
placed the two red cards, showing them one at a time. The cards are not moved, once they are
placed on the table. The audience, this time sure of itself, again picks—a red card.
Again the trick is repeated and the “smart” spectators discover something. One corner on the
ace is bent and they find that by looking for the bent corner they can always pick the ace. Yes,
always until suddenly upon turning it over they find a red card.
-1-
-2-
-3-
Note: We have never known an amateur monte dealer who could do the bent corner properly,
owing to the difficulty of crimping the corner of the Jack with the little finger. We are giving here
for the first time Dick Jacob’s own method of crimping which is simple and easy of execution.
This one move will make the bent corner effect available to any one who has this manuscript.
The card is picked up as in Figure 10. One of the other cards is picked up in left hand and
as the spectators’ attention is drawn to that card the Jack in the right hand is momentarily
laid on the table. The forefinger holds the card tightly against the table while the thumb and
second finger hold the ends of the card clear. The little finger pushes the corner up and the
hand is immediately raised.
The ace is picked up under the Jack and the fake throw made, the Jack with the bent corner
falling on the table. The bent corner on the ace is straightened out and the ace dropped on the
table with the other cards. Figure 11 shows the corner being straightened. The third finger tip
curls under the card while the little finger tip presses down on the corner.
Remember, all moves in this effect are deliberate, especially not quick or jerky.
-4-